Pickup
Guide for managing DHL Express pickups.
Overview
DHL Express shipments must be collected by a courier — there is no drop-off at shops or parcel lockers. The connector offers two modes:
| Mode | Description | When to Use? |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Pickup | Pickup is automatically booked with each label creation | Standard for high shipping volume |
| Manual Pickup | Pickup is booked separately via the dashboard | For bundled pickups (e.g., all packages of the day) |
Auto Pickup
How It Works
- Label is created (POST /shipments)
- Pickup is automatically booked (POST /pickups)
- DHL confirms with:
- Pickup Confirmation No. — DHL reference number
- Pickup Date/Time — confirmed pickup window
Configuration
Auto pickup settings are configured in Setup under Pickup:
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Pickup | Enabled/Disabled | ✅ Enabled |
| Pickup Ready Time | Earliest pickup time | 09:00 |
| Pickup Close Time | Latest pickup time | 17:00 |
| Pickup Location | Where the courier finds packages | "Loading dock gate 3" |
Time Window
Choose a realistic window. DHL Express guarantees pickup within the window but not at a specific time. Allow at least 2 hours between ready and close time.
Manual Pickup
Book a Pickup
- Open the DHL Express Dashboard
- Click Book Pickup
- Enter pickup details:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Pickup Date | Desired pickup date |
| Ready Time | Earliest pickup time |
| Close Time | Latest pickup time |
| Pieces | Number of packages |
| Total Weight | Total weight of all packages |
| Location | Pickup location description |
| Special Instructions | Special notes for the courier |
- Click Confirm
- DHL confirms with a Pickup Confirmation Number
Cancel a Pickup
A booked pickup can be cancelled:
- Open the Pickup list or the relevant shipment
- Click Cancel Pickup
- The API cancels the pickup (DELETE /pickups/{confirmationNo})
- Status changes to "Cancelled"
Cancellation Window
Pickups can only be cancelled while the courier is not yet en route. Cancel at least 1 hour before the ready time.
Pickup Status
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Booked | Pickup is booked and confirmed |
| Completed | Pickup was performed |
| Cancelled | Pickup was cancelled |
| Failed | Pickup could not be booked |
FAQ
Do I need to book a pickup every day?
With Auto Pickup: No. Each label creation automatically books a pickup.
Without Auto Pickup: Yes, if you want to ship packages on that day.
What if no package is ready?
The courier will still come. DHL Express does not charge for "empty" pickups, but it's recommended to cancel in advance.
Can I ship multiple labels with one pickup?
With Auto Pickup: Yes. Multiple labels on the same day are automatically bundled.
Manual: Specify the correct package count and total weight.